pic: Best Emcee Ever?

[Kris Verdeyen]

Depends. Emceeing the finals and the quals are two different beasts.

For the Quals: Blair. He has a talent in making intros interesting when, by all rights, they ought not be. I saw him bring a two year old out to help with the introductions once. It should not have worked, but it did.

For the Finals: Dave Verbrugge. The dude has the memory of an elephant. If they let him actually just run Einstein like it was a competition, instead of a pageant, it'd blow your mind.

For Awards: Blair. Pleasing Baritone.

[Carolyn_Grace]

Originally Posted by Kris Verdeyen

For the Finals: Dave Verbrugge. The dude has the memory of an elephant. If they let him actually just run Einstein like it was a competition, instead of a pageant, it'd blow your mind.

Like he does at the Michigan State Championship event? Anyone who wants to see Dave at his finest should come to MSC! The stories that he tells from past years, and the history of the accomplishments of the teams that are there give goosebumps to the entire crowd. I've never seen a massive crowd of high school students go as silent and pay as close attention as when Dave Verbrugge is out there for Opening Ceremonies. It is pretty much my favorite part of the State Champs.

[BrendanB]

Dave, Blair, and Andy they are THE best in when it comes to FIRST emcees between knowledge, energy, and awesomeness!

[Aiyash]

Dave Verbrugge is by far the best MC. There's a reason why he ALWAYS does the MSC and Einstein.

As far as play by play, Tom Nader is the best. Hands down. I love that man!

[wendymom]

I'm sure everyone thinks their MC is the best, so I have to speak up for the team of Dan Richardson and George Wallace. They MC the Orlando Regional and will be working the new South Florida Regional as well.

They both started in FIRST in high school and have been involved either as a student or mentor for most of Florida's 10 years as a regional.

Dan can spout the history of just about any Florida team and knows all the connections between teams. It is so much fun listening to him tell the stories of all the teams during eliminations.

[Conor Ryan]

2006 Boston Regional, may have had some of the greatest antics ever to be at an FRC event. However, highly credible sources say Hawaii puts on one hell of a show.

When Blair pulled this off nobody expected it.

Blair gets my vote, cause lots of people can do the story telling part, but not many have the balls for this (even if it is half a poof ball strapped to your head).

[waialua359]

Play by play game announcer-Dan Green!
I pushed to have him come to Hawaii this year, but with no luck......YET.
MC-Mark and Blair.
However, for those that remember Mark during his younger days, no one had more energy and crazy antics than him for sure!

[Lil' Lavery]

I'm a little disappointed that this is all the same names that would have been raised 5 years ago (minus Paul "Copioil"). If you subtract the Karthik and Barry references, 10 years ago as well. FIRST has had on and off pushes for keeping the MCs in older hands, but I'm kinda hoping for one of the younger/newer generation of MCs to make a name for themselves. Unfortunately, I haven't seen one do it yet. Not that their performances are bad, just none of them have stepped to that next level yet and really created their own personality.

Also, I'm completely unsurprised by the "name your regional's MC" trend in the thread. Though the lack of respect for Jeff Seaton is surprising.

[RoboMom]

All the names mentioned above are just great!

The MC's are all hardworking and each brings his/her own spin and energy and personality to the event.

Honestly, although I have been lucky enough to see watch so many in action I would be hard pressed to pick "the best". They are all different. Every event that gets one of the very experienced MC's (the ones who get to move on to the Championship) is very lucky. And every event lucky enough to recruit someone who really knows FIRST, and can do the background banter is blessed. It really is not a contest. As the number of events grows, we need more and more MC's who are welcome.

I know that I am in awe of Greg Needel and his knowledge of the teams and the banter, and we are so lucky to have him at the Chesapeake.

[nikeairmancurry]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

I'm a little disappointed that this is all the same names that would have been raised 5 years ago (minus Paul "Copioil"). If you subtract the Karthik and Barry references, 10 years ago as well. FIRST has had on and off pushes for keeping the MCs in older hands, but I'm kinda hoping for one of the younger/newer generation of MCs to make a name for themselves. Unfortunately, I haven't seen one do it yet. Not that their performances are bad, just none of them have stepped to that next level yet and really created their own personality.

Also, I'm completely unsurprised by the "name your regional's MC" trend in the thread. Though the lack of respect for Jeff Seaton is surprising.

I have a possible up and comer for you, Grant Cox, former 217 driver. He has all the makes of a great MC just waiting to come out. Tons of energy, jumps around or over people. Displays a good history of FIRST, and purely enjoys watching every match. He also likes to break out the trivia and jokes during timeouts and between matches. He doesn't get to showcase his talents much with going to Michigan Tech, but he sure gives it a go when he can. Grant, for sure could become the next great MC.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by nikeairmancurry

I have a possible up and comer for you, Grant Cox, former 217 driver. He has all the makes of a great MC just waiting to come out. Tons of energy, jumps around or over people. Displays a good history of FIRST, and purely enjoys watching every match. He also likes to break out the trivia and jokes during timeouts and between matches. He doesn't get to showcase his talents much with going to Michigan Tech, but he sure gives it a go when he can. Grant, for sure could become the next great MC.

Grant will continue to be an up and comer so long as he doesn't manage to kill himself diving off of the field at MARC.
That dude is nuts!

[nikeairmancurry]

Originally Posted by Koko Ed

Grant will continue to be an up and comer so long as he doesn't manage to kill himself diving off of the field at MARC.
That dude is nuts!

While I'm the fool who encouraged it and filmed it.. lol

[Horsegirrl]

My vote will always be for Chiniqua! She is a true inspiration, and i will never stop looking up to her!

[xSAWxBLADEx]

Caption: Brohoof? BROHOOF!

[Kims Robot]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

I'm a little disappointed that this is all the same names that would have been raised 5 years ago (minus Paul "Copioil")...

I'll add a new one!! - Angry Eric!

Ok so I'm a little biased... but the great Andy Grady & Libby will vouch for me! Eric has been MC'ing for 6 years now and has done NNYRI FLL & FTC competitions, FLFLL Champs, Beantown Blitz, Ruckus, and the Boston Regional!

This year he has a new "outfit" for opening & finals, but will be returning with the red mohawk! (My favorite part is he has to wear the mohawk to work for a week between the two regionals he will be doing!! lol)

Although for the "long time", I agree with Blair & Woodie being my favorites. I also think we may see Dylan's name coming up in the future... he had an amazing voice & did a great job the few times they put him out at FLR (ahem I hope he comes back next year full time!!)